Location Guide • East Midlands
Metal Detecting in Lincolnshire
One of England’s most productive counties. The Lincolnshire Wolds chalk, limestone heath, Fens and multiple Roman roads combine to create exceptional detecting conditions across the whole county.
Top Site Type
Lincolnshire Wolds chalk arable
Best Detector Type
Multi-frequency
Region
East Midlands
Recorded finds · Portable Antiquities Scheme
Metal Detecting Finds Recorded in Lincolnshire
85,625 archaeological objects have been officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Finds by Historical Period
Most Commonly Found Objects in Lincolnshire
Coin 33,815Brooch 6,381Buckle 5,649Mount 2,950Vessel 2,725Strap end 1,693Weight 1,620Unidentified object 1,347
Lincolnshire is a heavyweight for recorded finds, led by Roman and medieval coins across its wolds and fen-edge farmland.
Recent Lincolnshire Metal Detecting Finds
Data and images from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (finds.org.uk), © The Trustees of the British Museum, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Figures reflect objects voluntarily recorded by finders and do not represent all finds made in the county. Last updated July 2026.
Lincolnshire Metal Detecting Clubs
Lincolnshire Finds Liaison Officer
Beaches & Coastal Detecting
Lincolnshire has a coastline, and beach detecting follows different rules to farmland. Most foreshore between the high and low water marks in England is Crown Estate land, and the Crown Estate operates a general permission for recreational detecting on much of its managed foreshore, though you should check the current terms. Council-owned beaches often need the local authority’s permission, and some beaches are privately owned or leased. Always check for scheduled monuments, SSSIs and local byelaws before detecting, and never detect where it is signposted as prohibited.
PAS Analysis
Of the 85,625 objects recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Lincolnshire, the Roman period is the strongest (29,577 finds), followed by Medieval, Post Medieval. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, brooch and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 33,815 records.
Geology, Site Types & Detecting Tips in Lincolnshire
Geology
Lincolnshire Wolds chalk gives excellent preservation. Lincoln Edge Jurassic limestone is superb. Fenland silt and peat in the south and east. River Witham and Trent terraces.
Site Types to Target
Wolds chalk arable fields, Lincoln Edge limestone farmland, Fenland silt arable, fields along Ermine Street, King Street and Fosse Way
What You Can Find
Roman coins and military material near Lincoln (Lindum Colonia), Viking-age silver (Danelaw heartland), Iron Age Corieltauvi coins, Bronze Age Fenland metalwork, medieval material
Notable Discoveries
The Watlington Hoard-equivalent finds in this county are numerous. Lincoln’s hinterland produces Roman material of the highest quality. Viking Danelaw silver consistently surfaces across the county.
Detecting Tips
The sheer variety of geology means you can switch between chalk Wolds, limestone heath and Fenland within a short drive. Research the Roman roads carefully – every crossing point is worth investigating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go metal detecting in Lincolnshire?
You can detect on private land in Lincolnshire with the landowner’s permission, and on much of the Crown Estate foreshore if you are on the coast. You must avoid scheduled monuments, SSSIs and other protected sites. Joining a local club is the easiest way to reach permissioned land.
Is metal detecting legal in Lincolnshire?
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in Lincolnshire on land where you have the landowner’s permission, as long as you avoid protected sites and follow the law on reporting treasure and recording finds.
Who is the Finds Liaison Officer for Lincolnshire?
Lincolnshire is covered by a Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Liaison Officer who records finds made by the public. See the FLO section on this page for contact details, or search finds.org.uk.
What finds turn up in Lincolnshire?
Lincolnshire has 85,625 objects recorded with the PAS, with the Roman period the most common. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, brooch and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 33,815 records.
Sources & Last Checked
PAS data from finds.org.uk, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Last checked July 2026.
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Detecting in Lincolnshire?
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